Description: Proteus is a twin-turbofan high altitude, long-endurance, multi-mission aircraft powered by Williams International FJ44-2E engines. It was designed by Scaled Composites to carry payloads of 2,000 pounds to altitudes above 60,000-ft remaining on station for 14-hour. Proteus accepts heavier payloads but for shorter endurance missions and can perform both manned and unmanned missions. Its full spectrum of missions include: telecommunications, reconnaissance, atmospheric research, commercial imaging, and space launch.

The unique appearance of Proteus reflects its specific design for loitering at high altitudes relying on its long wing and outstanding stability. It also features low noise emissions and the ability to operate at adverse weather conditions. In addition, Proteus is able to perform short takeoffs and landings. Proteus flew for the first time on July 26, 1998. Since then this aircraft has been involved in a series of commercial and military programs.

The most relevant military variant of Proteus could be Northrop-Grumman's Model 395 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based on Proteus and addressing the Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. Model 395 demonstration campaign started in February 2005 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This UAV is able to drop 500-pound bombs, conduct intelligence gathering and a variety of missions. With 900 pounds of internal payload capacity and 6,500 pounds externally, Model 395 would be fitted with a family of modular payloads.